Richard Brush and John Russell could make their first appearances since re-joining the club.

Manager Ian Baraclough said: “I'm really pleased with where we are fitness wise. Hopefully we will acquit ourselves well in the first leg.

“We have had three pre-season matches on the same surface as Crusaders play on so I didn’t mind playing those games with this clash in mind.

“We have played on better surfaces in pre-season that we will at Crusaders but a lot of the squad were in Seaview two years ago so they know what to expect.

“We know what type of game they will bring to the evening and we have to be ready and prepared for that.

“It is great for us at this time of year as part of our preparation to go and play against technically good players and you also have to be able to combat a physical threat which we have to be ready for.

“It would be nice to progress in this competition. I'm not sure how much you can say you are All-Ireland champions if you win it but that is what the competition stands for.

“It's a good competition. I've enjoyed being part of it and to go and win it would be great for this football club.”

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